Playing ball



Nov. l24, 1936. L y H. T. WINTERBAUER l 2,061,604

PLAYING BALL Filed Nov. 5, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Nav. 24, 1936. H. T. WINTERBAUER PLAYING BALL 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed NOV. 5, 1954 NUV- 24, 1936- H. T. WINTERBAUl-:R 2,051,604

PLAYING BALL Filed NOV. 5, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 NUV- 24, 1936 H. T. WINTERBAUER 2,051,604

PLAYING BALL Filed NOV. 5, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 lil lill

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Patented Nov. 24, 193()` UNITED STATES PLAYING BALL Henry T. Wnterbauer, Chicago, Ill., assignor. by direct and mesne assignments, to John T. Clark Company, Chicago, lll., a corporation oi' Illinois llpplication November 1934, Serial No. 751,619

HEISUE 20 Claims.. (Cl. 275i This invention relates to improvements in method of and apparatus for making playing balls and, more especially, to thin walled inflated or inflatable balls, like basketballs and footballs.

Among the features of my invention is the 'making of such a ball with a seamless rubber cover. By the use of my invention, it will be possible to make a ball more cheaply than balls as heretofore made with sewn leather covers. A rubber cover will also make the ball much more resistant to wear from usage, especially on rough surfaces such as concrete, macadam, and the like.

.another feature of my invention is the matting or a ball that will keep its original shape with hard long usage. It has been found that leathercovered balls as heretofore made have frequently become quickly distorted in use owing to the seams and unevennesses in the leather employed. This objection is eliminated by a seamless ener-piece rubber cover on my improved ball.

Another feature of my invention is the provision oi a ball that is highly resistant to damage trom moisture. The one-piece rubber cover on my im proved ball is practically entirely moisture-proof.

A further advantage arising from my invention is that since the outside cover, or at least the outer surface thereof, has not much to do with strengthening the ball, the ball can be used even after such cover is considerably thinned by wear without danger of the ball breaking'. It has been found that if the outer surface of a leather ball is worn only to a slight amount, the strength of the ball is very much lessened.

The rubber cover also provides the new ball 'with higher friction or non-skid qualities so that a bounce pass from the floor can be madewith greater accuracy. A leather ball, when bounced on a slippery floor, has a tendency to skid to a certain extent, making it harder to direct the pass. lviy improved ball with a rubber cover, upon en easing a back; board, will also be given a certain amount of spin.

My improved ball having no seams in the outer 4cover will always rebound at substantially the correct angle as it hits the licor, while a leather ball is deflected to a certain extent, depending upon whether it strikes the licor on a seam, between seams, or at the end where the seams are centered. In other words, my improved ball will take a more uniform bounce than balls of the prior art.

In speaking of a rubber cover, I means to include various well-known rubber compositions,

rubber compounds, and the like, having both naty ural and synthetic rubber, and the equivalents of such materials, compositions and compounds. By the use of these materials, the liveliness or resiliency of the ball can be varied by varying the composition of the material. By molding the outer cover, the inaccuracies due to sewing are avoided and it is possible to make a more perfect sphere or other shape desired. Lower grade balls and seconds may be thus lessened or eliminated. Since the cover is made seamless and the construction is unii'orm throughout, the ball has a substantially identical resiliency at any point. whereas a ball with a sewn cover ordinarily has less rebound when it strilres on a seam or seams as compared to when it strikes in the center oi? a panel. The uniform construction of my improved ball also gives it a substantially perfect balance.

The use ci' rubber or similar material in the cover also gives greater adherent qualities, mali;- ing it easier to hold or grip the ball, thus avoiding possibility oiP fumbles.

Other features and advantages of my invention will appear more iully as I proceed with my specihcation.

In those forms oi devices embodying the teatures oi my invention shown in the accompanyu ing drawingsll'ilgure l. is a view ln perspective of the two hernispherical gore-shaped inner members used in mattina the ball; Fie. 2 shows the same sewn together, except for a small opening to permit insertion oi the bladder; Fig. 3 shows the bladder'; Fig. (i is a sectional view showing the bladder ln the hemispherical members after they are com-1 fpletely sewn together; liig. 5 shows a partial winding el the elongated reinforcement in the form of a cord; Fie. d is a vertical sectional view through the valve after the cord has been applied and coated with rubber; Fig. 'l shows the cord completely applied and coated with rubber and the partial appiication ci the outside rubber cover in the term ci a strip or band or uncured rubber; Fie. t shows the rubber cover completely applied before curing; Fia. 9 is a vertical sectional view oi' the mold in which the outer cover cured; li'ig. ld is a vertical sectional View of the completed vball after curing of the outer cover; Fig. ll is a perspective view of one of the inner hernispherlcal members showing a modiiled method oi forming the ball; Fig. l2 shows said member in a press; Fig. 13 shows two of such membersjoined by a tape; Fig. i4 shows the partial winding of a cord on said members; Fig. l5 is a vertical sectional view through the members where they are joined; Fig. 16 is a similar view showing the valve; Figs. i7, 18, 19, 20, and

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21 are views like Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. showing the making of a football; and Fig. 22 is a vertical sectional view through the completed football.

As shown'in the drawings, in the making of a basketball, there are first formed two hemispherical inner members oi' substantially non-stretchable, flexible sheet material. These members are indicated in Fig. 1 by I0 and I I, and the same may be formed of felt, canvas, or the like. I have found felt very adaptable for the purpose as it can be shaped in the same manner as a hat ls formed or shaped. As shown in Fig. 1, two such pre-shaped hemispherical members or bowls are formed and they are sewn together as shown in Fig. 2 to form a hollow spherical inner member of substantially non-stretchable pre-shaped flexible sheet material. In practice, it is advisable to sew the two members together, as shown in Fig. 2, with the exception of a small opening I 2 to permit insertion of a bladder I3, the valve stem I4 of the same being projected through a suitable opening I5 in the member I0. 'Ihe hole I2 is then sewn shut to complete the formation of the hol low spherical inner member.

After the inner member is formed as shown in Fig. 4, with the bladder inside, the latter is inilated with air to a relatively low pressure, for example, about two pounds. The pressure should be enough to hold the inner spherical member formed by the cups I0 and Il in spherical form but should not be so great as to tear or strain the material or the stitching I6 by which such members are sewn together. The inner member is then wound with an elongated reinforcement, here shown in the form of a cord I'I. Fig. 5 shows this cord partially wound on and Fig. 7 shows the winding of the cord completed. This cord serves to reinforce the inner spherical member. Each wrap or winding of the cord is substantially on a great circle.

After the winding of the cord, the ball is preferably coated with rubber or rubber compound, as shown in Fig. 6 and as indicated by I8. This may be accomplished by dipping, spraying or by applying thin sheets of uncured rubber or rubber compound over the inner member and the cords. This rubber coating preferably surrounds the cords, impregnates the same and adheres to and coats the outer surfaces, at least, of the two cups I0 and II forming the spherical inner member.

The next step consists in applying the outer rubber cover. This may be accomplished in a variety of ways. For example, as here shown, I wind over the ball one or more strips or sheets of uncured rubber I 9. 'I'he ball is then placed in a suitable spherical mold 20 and heat applied to cure the same. The curing operates to cure not only the outer application of rubber I8 but, also, the thinner inner coating I8, if such an inner coating has been applied. It is obvious, however, that the inner coating I8 may be omitted and the outer rubber cover applied in only one coating. Also, if desired, the inner coating I8 may rst be cured and then the outer coating I9 applied and cured. In any event, after the final curing, the ball is provided with a one-piece seamless cured rubber cover which I have designated in Fig. l0 by the numeral 2|. If an inner coating I8 was applied first and the two coatings cured together, the rubber material I8 and I9 will flow together during the curing process to form a single rubber cover and it will be found that the reinforcing cords I1 are imbedded in this cover, as shown in Fig. 10.

In Figs. 11 to 16, inclusive. I have shown a modification in the method of forming the inner member. As here shown, I form two cup-shaped members I I0 and III of pre-shaped substantially non-stretchable flexible sheet material, such as felt, canvas, or the like, similar to the members I0 and II, but instead of placing a bladder inside of these, I coat their inner surfaces with rubber II3 in order to make them air-tight. 'Ihe rubber coating may then be cured in a press. as shown in Fig. 12. I then place them together to form the sphere and seal the joint with a tape IIS, which may be cemented or vulcanized in place. The upper member IIIl is provided with a hole containing the valve IIl. The inner member is thus rendered air-tight and inflated to a low pressure, for example, about two pounds, to hold it in spherical form, as shown in Fig. 14. It is then wound with a reinforcing cord IIl and from that point on, the construction of the basketball is the same as above described.

In Figs. 17 to 22, I have shown the formation of a football. As here shown, two hollow members 2I0, A2II are pre-shaped by pressing felt, canvas, or the like, so that when the two halves are sewn together, as shown in Fig. 18, the inner member will be in the shape of a football. The two halves are joined by stitching 2I6, leaving an opening 2I2 for the insertion of the bladder 2I3. The stitching is then completed and the bladder iniiated to a relatively low pressure to hold the inner member in proper shape, as shown in Fig. 21, and a reinforcing cord 2H is wound around. From this point on, the construction is the same as above described and Fig. 22 shows a sectional view of the completed football with the outer rubber cover 22| applied and the cord 2| l imbedded therein.

While I have shown and described certain embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that it is capable of many modifications. Changes, therefore, in the construction and arrangement may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed in the appended claims, in which it is my intention to claim all novelty inherent in my invention as broadly as permissible, in view of the prior art.

Heretofore I have spoken of wrapping or winding the cord on the inner member. This wrapping or Winding is continued to substantially cover said inner member. In stating that said winding substantially covers the inner member I mean that the winding is continued and enough turns put on so that there are practically no spaces on the inner member left exposed where the cords are much more than V8 to 1A inch apart. In the wrapping or winding care is also taken to distribute the crossings or intersections of the cord as much as possible so that the cord will not pile up unduly at any one spot.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

l. The method of making a thin walled inflatable playing ball, comprising; making a hollow inner member of substantially non-stretchable flexible sheet material; expanding said member by a relatively low internal pressure; winding an elongated reinforcement around said member substantially on great circles to substantially cover the same; and curing a rubber cover over said member and reinforcement.

aoeneoa 2. The method of making a thin walled inflatable playing ball, comprising; making a hollow inner member of substantially non-stretchable pre-shaped flexible sheet material; expanding said member by a relatively low internal pressure: winding an elongated reinforcement around said member substantially on great circles to'substantially' cover the same; and curing a rubber cover over said member and reinforcement.

3. The method of making a thin walled inflatable playing ball. comprising: making a hollow inner member of substantially non-stretchable flexible sheet material; expanding said member by a relatively low internal pressure; winding an elongated reinforcement around said. member substantially on great circles to substantially cover the same; and curing a rubber cover over said member and reinforcement, said rubber cover imbedding said reinforcement therein.

4. The method of making a thin walled inflatable playing ball, comprising; making a hollow inner member of substantially non-stretchabie preshaped flexible sheet material; expanding `said member by a relatively low internal pressure; winding an elongated reinforcement around said member substantially on great circles to substantially cover the same: and curing a rubber cover over said member and reinforcement, said rubber cover imbedding said reinforcement therein.

5. The method of making a thin walled inflatable playing ball, comprising; pre-shaping flexible substantially non-stretchable sheet material to the desired shape of the completed ball; expanding said member by a relatively low internal pressure; windingan elongated reinforcement around said member substantially on great circles to substantially cover the same; and curing a rubber cover over said member and reinforcement.

6. The method o. making a thin walled inflatable playing ball, comprising; pre-shaping flexible substantially non-stretchable sheet material to the desired shape ofthe completed ball; explaining said member by a relatively low internal pressure; winding an elongated reinforcement around said member substantially on great circles to substantially cover the same; and curing a rubber cover over said member and reinforcement, said rubber cover imbedding said reinforcement therein.

7. A thin walled inflatable playing ball, including; a hollow inner member of substantially nonstretchable flexible sheet material; an elongated reinforcement wound around said inner member substantially on great circles substantially covering the same; and a rubber cover over said member and said reinforcement.

8. A thin walled inflatable playing ball including; a hollow inner member of substantially nonstretchable pre-shaped flexible sheet material; an 4 elongated reinforcement wound around said inner member substantially on great circles substantially covering the same: and a rubber cover over said member and said reinforcement.

9. A thin walled inflatable playing ball including; a hollow inner member of substantially nonstretchabe flexible sheet material; an elongated reinforcement wound around said inner member substantially on great circles substantially covering-the same; and a rubber'cover cured over said member and said reinforcement.

10. A thin walled inflatable playing ball including; a hollow inner member of substantially non-stretchable pre-shaped flexible sheet material; an elongated reinforcement wound around said inner member substantially on great circles substantially covering the same; and a rubber cover cured over said member and said reinforcement.

1l. A thin walled inflatable playing ball including; a hollow inner member of substantially non-stretchable flexible sheet material: an elongated reinforcement wound around said inner member substantially onl great circles substantially covering the same; and a 'rubber cover cured over said member and said reinforcement. `said rubber cover having said reinforcement imbedded therein.

12. A thin walled inflatable playing ball including; a hollow inner member of substantially non-stretchable pre-shaped flexible sheet material; an elongated reinforcement wound around said inner member substantially on great circles substantially covering the same; and a rubber cover cured over said member and said reinforcement. said rubber cover having saldreinforcement imbedded therein.

13. A thin walled inflatable playing ball including; a hollow inner member of substantially nonstretchable flexible sheet material pre-shaped to the desired shape of the completed ball; an elongated reinforcement wound around said inner member substantially on great circles substantially covering the same; and a rubber cover over said inner member and said reinforcement.

i4. A thin walled inflatable playing ball including; a hollow inner member of substantially nonstretchable flexible sheet material pre-shaped to the desired shape of the completed ball; an

`elongated reinforcement wound around said inner member substantially on great circles substantially covering the same; and a rubber cover cured over said inner member and said reinforcement. i

l5. A thin walled inflatable playing ball including; a hollow inner member of substantially nonstretchable flexible sheet material pre-shaped to the desired shape of the completed ball; an elongated reinforcement wound around said inner member substantially on great circles substantially covering the same; and a rubber cover cured over said inner member and said reinforcement, said rubber cover lhaving said reinforcement imbedded therein.

16. The method of making a thin walled iniiatable playing ball, comprising; pre-shaping portions of substantially non-stretchable flexible sheet material; attaching said portions together to form an inner member having the desired shape of the completed ball; expanding said member by a relatively low internal pressure; winding an elongated reinforcement around said member substantially on great circles to substantially cover the same; and curing a rubber cover over said member and reinforcement.

17. The method of making a thin walled inatable playing ball, comprising; pre-shaping portions of substantially non-stretchable flexible sheet material; attaching said portions together to form an inner member having the desired shape of the completed ball; expanding said mem- 20. A thin walled inflatable playing ball, including; a hollow inner member made of joined portions of substantially non-stretchable flexible sheet material pre-shaped to give said member the desired shape of the completed ball; an elongated reinforcement wound around said inner member substantially on great circles substantially covering the same; and a rubber cover cured over said member and said reinforcement, said rubber cover having said reinforcement imbedded lo therein.

HENRY T. WINTERBAUER. 

